flying with weapons..

[The "Juan" 12]

has anyone done it? wanting to fly to nc to see my big brother n hunt with him however ill need to take my bow and shotgun. what research do i needa do? does it cost extra? do i buy insurance on em? anything will help, thanks

[Cam-Mac]

I've flown with guns/etc before and it was no big deal. You just need to have a FAA/TSA approved locking case. This is just off the top of my head, but there is probably info on the airline website: You must be able to lock the case. Must keep ammo and weapon in seperate containers. Must check the weapons (of course ).

Been a couple years since I've flown with rifles. But I just walked up to the baggage check in counter like you would with any other bag/luggage. I would pack clothes around my bow if I was gonna fly with it- I've seen those handlers literally throw stuff.

[JEG8233]

I would start off by looking up the TSA regs on flying with rifles/bow. Then I would also get online to get the regs for whatever company you are flying with. Next print out what you find on both sites. Follow those guide lines and you should be okay. I know that you will need to have an approved bow and rifle case to pack them in. Hope this helps

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/assistant/editorial_1666.shtm

Forgot to add the reason you want to carry both the TSA and airline rules and regs for firearms is to avoid any hassle at the counter.

[The "Juan" 12]

thanks guys, and is your weapons already insured incase damaged or stolen?

[JEG8233]

I know that you can get firearm insurance from SCI that will cover your guns from theft no matter were in the world you may be hunting. I believe NRA probably has the same program. Here is a link for you

http://www.huntandtravel.com/gunins.htm

[JP8]

I fly to NC often and usually bring my gun. If you are bringing a long rifle I recommend trying to put stickers on the case of fish or fishing equipment to make it look like you might have fishing poles in it so people are less likely to want to pick it up and walk out with it. Just some stuff I seen on ESPN one time. BTW where in NC are you going?

[Dlove]

Flying with guns is not an issue give yourself a few extra minutes because they will inspect your case and have you lock it. Archery equipment they will not even go through just check it in and stick it on oversized luggage cart. The biggest thing is getting a quality case because your standard aluminium hard case will look like a beer can that has been in the back of a truck for months after one flight. The best case I've found is Pelican. I have one that has been to NZ, Africa, and Alaska and besides a few scuff marks it is solid as the day I bought it.

[PSD Ryan]

I do it often, but I hate it. Checking in is usually never a problem. They send you to the TSA guys to run it through the scanner, verify it's unloaded, etc.

My worst fear is the gun getting stolen, so I rush to baggage claim and wait right where they spit out. Once in WA my rifle got lost. I sat at the airport for 6 hours until they finally found it.

[The "Juan" 12]

Flying with guns is not an issue give yourself a few extra minutes because they will inspect your case and have you lock it. Archery equipment they will not even go through just check it in and stick it on oversized luggage cart. The biggest thing is getting a quality case because your standard aluminium hard case will look like a beer can that has been in the back of a truck for months after one flight. The best case I've found is Pelican. I have one that has been to NZ, Africa, and Alaska and besides a few scuff marks it is solid as the day I bought it.

i got a SKB parallel limb bow case with locks! will that hold up? should i purchase insurance?

[trophyhunter01]

been all over with them...TSA regulates the gun but the airline regulates the ammo and ammount and how stored...if going to NC I would just buy it there and save the hassle. You will need a good case, not a cheap plastic one for $39.00 and must lock with a pad lock is best....good case $300 or so. Insurance thru SCI, I did it for Africa and was only like $25.00 for full replacement cost. Make sure you read the regs and know them, last time I flew with mine I knew more than the gate agents and glad I did or my stuff would have not made it and don't be afraid to ask for a supervisor if you get some greif.